How to Enable Network Discovery in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to enable or turn on Network Discovery and Files Sharing in Windows 11.

Included in Windows 11 is an improved Network Discovery, a feature that allows Windows computers to find and discover other computers and devices on a network. The discovery feature is automatically turned on when connected to a private network, like your home or workplace.

Public networks like guest Wi-Fi or networks that are not trusted are turned off so that other machines do not automatically discover your devices.

Enabling Network Discovery and File Sharing in Windows 11 is essential to connect to other computers or devices on your Network. Network Discovery allows your Windows computer to find and discover other computers and devices on the Network. At the same time, File Sharing enables you to share files, folders, and printers with other computers on the same Network.

By enabling these features, you can easily share files, collaborate with others, and access resources on other computers without physically transferring files between computers using external devices like USB drives.

To get started with turning Network Discovery in Windows on or off, follow the steps below:

Enable Network Discovery in Windows 11

If your Windows devices cannot see or discover each other on your private Network, Network Discovery is likely disabled.

To enable Network Discovery, continue below.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Network & internet, then select Ethernet on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

In the Ethernet settings pane, under Network profile type, choose Private. This profile will allow devices in your Network to be discovered. This profile should also be selected if you need file sharing or use apps that communicate over this Network.

The private profile is suitable for homes, workplaces, and trusted networks.

If you have other networks like Wi-Fi (if you’re connected to a wireless network) or Ethernet (if you’re connected to a network using a network cable), you can also set the profile type to Private.

When you’re done, exit and network discovery should be enabled.

Turn on Public Folder Sharing in Windows 11

Use the steps below to set up file sharing.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

However, changing the account username is still done in the old Control Panel. To get to Control Panel, you can click on Start and start typing Control Panel as shown in the image below:

In the Control Panel, select Network and Internet, as highlighted in the image below.

Select Network and Sharing Center on the next page, as highlighted below.

Next, select Change advanced sharing settings as highlighted below.

Select Private (current profile) and Turn on File and printer sharing in the Advanced sharing center.

Save your changes and exit.

On the same Advance sharing options page, scroll down All networks.

You should see settings for Public folder sharing, Media streaming, File sharing connections, and Password-protected sharing there. Windows should automatically turn on File and printer sharing in private networks. However, in some instances, this will not be enabled.

If you can not automatically find printers and shared resources in your private Network, then the File sharing option may be disabled.

Only people with accounts on the local computer or in the domain environment can access shared files and printers if you enable password-protected sharing.

Make your changes and save, then exit.

Turn on File Sharing from the Command Line

The settings above can easily be done using the commands below as administrator.

netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="File and Printer Sharing" new enable=Yes
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="Network Discovery" new enable=Yes

It would be best to open the command prompt as administrator to run the above commands.

Update:

A commenter mentioned below to enable SMB 1.0 / CIFS File Sharing support in the Control Panel, under Programs and Features ==> Turn Windows features on or off.

Below is how to enable additional features in Windows 11.

Turn Windows features On or Off in Windows 11

Conclusion

Enabling Network Discovery and File Sharing in Windows 11 is crucial for seamless device communication. Following the steps outlined above, you can ensure your devices can discover each other and share resources efficiently. Here are the key takeaways:

• Enhances Connectivity: Your computer can identify and connect with other devices on the same network.
• Facilitates File Sharing: Enables easy sharing of files, folders, and printers without the need for external storage devices.
• User-Friendly Settings: Offers a centralized location in System Settings and Control Panel to easily manage network preferences.
• Security Considerations: Be mindful of network profiles to ensure security while sharing files on public and private networks.
• Command Line Access: Provides an alternative method for advanced users to enable network features quickly via Command Prompt.

By implementing these settings, you can effectively collaborate and share resources, improving your overall digital experience on Windows 11.